WILLIAMS, Benjamin, a Representative from North Carolina; born near Smithfield, Johnston County, N.C.,
January 1, 1751; attended the country schools; engaged in agricultural pursuits; member of the
provincial congress in 1774 and 1775; served in the Revolutionary Army as second lieutenant;
promoted to captain in the Second Regiment July 19, 1776; promoted to colonel for gallantry at
Guilford, N.C., July 12, 1781; member of the State house of commons in 1779, 1785, and 1789;
member of the State senate in 1780, 1781, April 1784, October 1784, and 1786, and again in 1807
and 1809; elected to the Third Congress (March 4, 1793-March 3, 1795); was not a candidate for
renomination; Governor of North Carolina 1799-1802, and from December 1, 1807 until December
12, 1808; died in Moore County, N.C., July 20, 1814; interment in the family cemetery in Moore
County, near Carbonton, N.C.; reinterment, 1970, at his last residence in Moore County, now known
as ``The House in the Horseshoe,'' a mile and a half from his original grave on Governor's Creek.